WISH

I was so impressed with the July Paper Pumpkin kit, not only because of the cool designs for the projects -- little treat boxes and cards -- but because of the great stamps that were part of it. Stamps that I can use over and over throughout the coming years, because they are so versatile.

Following is a photo of the front of the instruction sheet, how Stampin' Up! meant for the card to look:

I thought it could easily be stepped up and made my own with only a few simple changes. This is what I came up with:

It's basically the same card, but with a bit of color to make it all pop! That turquoise/red combo is so popular, and was just right for this card.

I also changed up the star formation a bit. Not a LOT different, but it is a little more "Linda". I always like to add my own personal twist to a project.

Which brings to mind a memory of several years back. Usually when I went to some stamping function, it was rare that I did the project the way it was meant to be. I know. Call me "rebel". Always marching to my own drummer. 

In fact, when I hold my monthly Stamp-In workshops, I always encourage my attendees to make it more their own if they wish. Just because I created a project in such a way doesn't mean it's the only or the best way. We have to be creative and be individuals at times. If you are comfortable with that. I know some people work best when they can follow a sample and/or instructions precisely as presented. Which is perfectly fine. But, there is nothing at all wrong with trying to make your own creations just that. Your own. I mean, isn't that what Paper Seedlings is all about? Planting little creative Paper Seedlings.

Anyway, back to my years-ago memory: One time I was at a stamping function by myself. I didn't know any of the other attendees. So I was able to work at my own pace and do  my own thing. Well, it happened that a lady sitting right across the table from me was obviously keeping a close eye on what I was doing. When I eliminated one of the stamped images the creator had used in her sample, the lady pointed it out to me. So helpful. I just told her that that was how I wanted to do it. Her indignant answer: "Well, to each his own I guess." I still chuckle when I think of how upset she was that I didn't do it the way I was SUPPOSED TO. 

That is the beauty of the monthly Paper Pumpkin kits: You can make it EXACTLY as presented. Or, you can switch it up to make it uniquely YOU. I love that. Often, I make some of the projects just as Stampin' Up! meant them, while, from the same kit, I will change things to make it mine.

A N D . . . for a few more days, you can get your first two months of a Paper Pumpkin subscription for HALF PRICE! 

* For new subscribers only

* Month-to-month subscriptions only, not prepaid subscriptions

* First two months are half price. The regular price is $19.95 per month.

* Must join by 11:50 p.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday, September 10.

* Go to https://mypaperpumpkin.com/en/ to sign up for your special. 

* Enter the promo code "HALFOFF2" when you are signing up.

* Don't forget to name me as your demonstrator!

* Have a BLAST when your first kit arrives the middle of September!

Paper

Pumpkin

Smiles.